There’s been rioting in the streets since Matt Smith said he wasn’t in the next Star Wars film, despite his name being attached to The Rise of Skywalker since way before it was The Rise of Skywalker; fortunately, it now appears that the Eleventh Doctor actor will be in the franchise, albeit in an as-yet-unrevealed role.

Matt told reporters that he was “definitely not” in the movie, but he’s used to keeping secrets. Because now, Disney has revealed:

“Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Matt Smith, and Dominic Monaghan, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.”

It’s been rumoured for many months now that Matt would play an antagonist, though we’ll have to wait for further confirmation of this – probably until Star Wars‘ release in December 2019.

And yes, it’s great to see one-time-Ninth Doctor, Richard E. Grant (better known as the Great Intelligence in tales like The Snowmen and The Name of the Doctor) in that list.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (yes, it’s a rubbish title) is due out on 20th December 2019.